/bi haf", -hahf"/ , n.
1. in or on behalf of , as a representative of or a proxy for: On behalf of my colleagues, I address you tonight.
2. in or on (someone's) behalf , in the interest or aid of (someone): He interceded in my behalf.
[ 1400-50; late ME; ME bihalve, earlier as adv. and prep. with the sense "near(by)," orig. as prep. phrase bi halve on one side; see BE-, BY, HALF ]